The largest tidal wetland restoration project on the United States' West Coast, the South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project converts thousands of former commercial salt ponds to a mix of tidal marsh, mudflat, managed pond, and other wetland habitats. AECOM prepared a plan for the 15,100-acre property that integrates ecological restoration, public access and recreation, and flood protection. The public access and recreation plan provides conceptual design for a hierarchy of land and water trails, viewing platforms, interpretive stations, hunting, and fishing.
As the task leader for NEPA/CEQA compliance, AECOM's environmental team also managed the preparation of a joint EIS/EIR for the project, which included program-level analysis of the long-term restoration alternatives as well as detailed, project-level review of the first phase of restoration actions..
In addition to restoring valuable habitat, he scientifically sound, publicly supported plan provides long-term flood management and opportunities for wildlife-oriented public access and recreation.
